Month: August 2014

Skacel is excited to announce the arrival of HiKoo’s new quick-knit … Zumie (pronounced ‘zoo-me’)!

A well-balanced blend of wool, nylon, and acrylic, this voluminous fiber works up effortlessly on US 13 needles, providing wonderful drape and stitch definition. Each hank is 110 yards and 200 grams.

Available in 24 colors, Zumie is available through your LYS or local HiKoo stockist.

Playing on Zumie’s quick-knit element, each hank features two complimentary patterns printed on the inside of the banding (for those seeking some instant gratification). The hat or cowl can each be knit with just one skein! They will definitely be my go-to gift knit this fall.

The pattern uses a cool slip-stitch ribbing technique, which you can see demonstrated on our YouTube channel, Skacelevision.

Zumie will begin arriving in shops in mid-to-late June. These projects are perfect vacation knitting, so be sure to pick up a few skeins. You can knock out some holiday gifts before school starts!

We introduced Simpliworsted two and a half years ago, and our customers have embraced it as a soft, squishy and versatile workhorse. Now, we’re taking that yarn to the next level with Simplinatural. It’s a plied alpaca, wool and silk blend that is best described by the word “yummy.” Really. And what a gorgeous color palette!

The Shoreline Moebius Cowl is a free pattern written specifically for this yarn, and it’s a perfect cozy accessory for this winter that won’t end! Of course, you can use any color combination you like.

If you are a garment knitter, check out this great design by the inimitable Sally Melville. L’Enveloppe is a great easy-wear option that has a simple style that will really show off the beauty of the yarn! Of course, the Hunger Games vibe is an added bonus! The pattern is available to purchase in store, which is a great option, especially if you want to talk to your favorite Skacel shop owner about sizing, etc.

One of our Facebook fans commented that CoBaSi was the “Best sock yarn ever plus the color ways r absolutely beautiful!” Of course, we couldn’t agree more :). In fact, the response to the fingering weight has been so tremedous, we have released CoBaSi Plus, a true worsted weight. It has the same fiber content as its lighter cousin – 55% Cotton, 16% Bamboo, 8% Silk, 21% Elastic Nylon, and knits up at 5 stitches to the inch on a US size 7 needle. If you haven’t tried CoBaSi, you’ll find that the cotton and silk provide softness, while the bamboo and elastic nylon provide strength and foregiveness. Perfect for so many uses, and obviously an ideal option for those with wool sensitivities.

Another plus (pardon the pun!) is that has the same color range as original CoBaSi, so you can use the CoBaSi for socks to match a cardigan in CoBaSi Plus, for example. With so many colors, the options are nearly endless!

We have a free pattern available on our site that is the perfect opportunity to try out this yarn. It’s a simple, unisex pullover that has a broad range of sizes (up to 38″ chest!). A great sweater for older/younger siblings!

This lightweight luxury sportweight yarn is a transeasonal wonder. Lusciously soft baby alpaca is enriched with the elegant drape and gleam of mulberry silk and the rustic tactile appeal of linen. Each fiber takes the dye slightly differently, which results in a lovely heathered colorways. Dyed in soft pastels, beachy brights and glowing neutrals, Rylie has excellent stitch definition, too! Each 100-gram hank is 274 yards and knits up to 6 stitches to the inch on a US 3 or 4 needle.

The shade card show the fabulous colorway range. There’s a color for every type of garment or accessory!

The Scalloptini Pullover (available through your local yarn store) is the perfect warm-weather layering piece. The femininity of the lace is accentuated by the beautiful drape of the fabric.

The talented designer and shop owner StevenBe takes the yarn in a completely different direction with his Really Rylie cowl (available as a Ravelry download), where he double strands Rylie with Schulana Kid-Paillettes.

Stop by your local Skacel shop and experience this and our other beautiful yarns in person!